Holiday Cat at Window Card

Durable, lightweight papyrus paper was the most significant writing material in the ancient world. Used first around 4000 B.C., Egyptians developed paper from the papyrus reed, which grew plentifully along the banks of the Nile. The inner pith of the stalk is cut into long strips, pounded and soaked in water. Strips are laid in a crisscross pattern, then squeezed together until all the moisture is removed and then pressed to form a single sheet.

Women in Egypt today, working with artisan partner Jirmit Papyrus, hand-paint cards to provide for their families.